In an effort to increase seatbelt usage and combat impaired driving in our area, Louisiana State Police Troop D plans to conduct a seatbelt compliance and DWI checkpoint on Friday, March 13, 2015, from approximately 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location in Calcasieu Parish. Our mission will be to ticket vehicle occupants who are not properly restrained or who choose not to properly restrain children in the vehicle as well as to remove impaired drivers from the road before they cause injury or death to themselves or others.

Last year, 58 percent of vehicle occupants who died in crashes in our state were not wearing a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt is the single most effective thing motorists can do to protect themselves in the event of a crash.

Louisiana state law requires vehicle occupants in all seating positions to be properly restrained, day and night. Children who require a child safety seat should be properly restrained in an age and weight appropriate restraint. Buckle up Louisiana. Every trip. Every time.

Motorists are asked to remember to designate a sober driver before traveling to any place where alcohol will be consumed. Drive sober or get pulled over.

To report impaired drivers, motorists are encouraged to dial *LSP (*577) from their cellular phone or to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Support for this checkpoint is provided by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.